Two black-necked cranes were caught on film in Qilian County, northwest China's Qinghai Province, with one courting the other on the county's sprawling Mole Grassland.
The footage captured by an amateur photographer shows the cranes strolling together in the grass. The male tries to catch the female's eye by bobbing its head, making a detour, and changing standing positions.
The male also performed various poses and spread its wings to dance. However, all the attempts failed to get into the good graces of the companion. At last, the crane gave up the courtship display.
Black-necked cranes are under national first-class protection in China and a flagship species of the plateau wetland ecosystem.
Black-necked crane attempts to attract companion in Qinghai
Black-necked crane attempts to attract companion in Qinghai
The Honghe butterfly valley in southwest China's Yunnan Province is expected to see a 10-year high butterfly boom this year.
As one of the world's richest regions for butterfly species, the butterfly valley in Jinping County sees a massive butterfly emergence every year in late spring and early summer.
From May to June, billions of butterflies emerge and fill the skies above the valley.
Experts estimate this year's butterfly number could be the highest in nearly a decade.
Scientists say such a spectacle is only possible in a healthy ecosystem.
For nearly three decades, local resident Yang Zhenwen has devoted himself to monitoring and protecting the butterflies.
Every day during the emergence season, he serves a special meal to help the tiny creatures replenish their energy: a nutrient solution he developed together with researchers.
"The solution is made mainly from local ingredients, including pineapples, fermented glutinous rice juice and brown sugar. After being boiled together, a small amount of salt is added," said Yang.
Yang regularly patrols the mountains, monitors butterfly habitats, records species data and tracks the growth of host plants.
Recently, over 40 content creators were invited to the county to promote biodiversity conservation through artistic installations and online campaigns. With support from the local government, conservation is also driving rural development.
"We have invited some social organizations. They bring some artists to come here to help our people design butterfly craft products, and also, some professional guides to train our people to become a good tourist guide. I would like to say it's a vivid proof of how human beings and nature can live in harmony," said Liu Xuan, deputy head of Jinping County.
The butterfly valley is drawing in a growing number of tourists.
Butterfly boom forecast to hit 10-year high at butterfly valley in Yunnan
